System and Method for Managing Multiple Independent Graphic Sources in an Information Handling System

ABSTRACT

An information handling system includes a video selector to convert a first video signal into a second video signal, convert the first video signal into a third video signal, and couple a video output to a selected one of a first video input or a second video input.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/549,954, entitled “System and Method for Managing MultipleIndependent Graphic Sources in an Information Handling System,” filed onAug. 28, 2009, the disclosure of which is hereby expressly incorporatedby reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

This disclosure relates generally to information handling systems, andrelates more particularly to display devices in an information handlingsystem.

BACKGROUND

As the value and use of information continues to increase, individualsand businesses seek additional ways to process and store information.One option is an information handling system. An information handlingsystem generally processes, compiles, stores, or communicatesinformation or data for business, personal, or other purposes. Becausetechnology and information handling needs and requirements can varybetween different applications, information handling systems can alsovary regarding what information is handled, how the information ishandled, how much information is processed, stored, or communicated, andhow quickly and efficiently the information can be processed, stored, orcommunicated. The variations in information handling systems allowinformation handling systems to be general or configured for a specificuser or specific use such as financial transaction processing, airlinereservations, enterprise data storage, or global communications. Inaddition, information handling systems can include a variety of hardwareand software resources that can be configured to process, store, andcommunicate information and can include one or more computer systems,data storage systems, and networking systems.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

It will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration,elements illustrated in the Figures have not necessarily been drawn toscale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements areexaggerated relative to other elements. Embodiments incorporatingteachings of the present disclosure are illustrated and described withrespect to the drawings presented herein, in which:

FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram illustrating an informationhandling system with a multiple independent graphics source manager,according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram illustrating a video subsystem inan information handling system similar to the information handlingsystem of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a flow chart illustrating a method of managing multipleindependent graphics sources in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent disclosure; and

FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram of an information handling systemsimilar to the information handling system of FIG. 1.

The use of the same reference symbols in different drawings indicatessimilar or identical items.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The following description in combination with the Figures is provided toassist in understanding the teachings disclosed herein. The followingdiscussion will focus on specific implementations and embodiments of theteachings. This focus is provided to assist in describing the teachings,and should not be interpreted as a limitation on the scope orapplicability of the teachings. However, other teachings can be used inthis application. The teachings can also be used in other applications,and with several different types of architectures, such as distributedcomputing architectures, client/server architectures, or middlewareserver architectures and associated resources.

For purposes of this disclosure, an information handling system caninclude any instrumentality or aggregate of instrumentalities operableto compute, classify, process, transmit, receive, retrieve, originate,switch, store, display, manifest, detect, record, reproduce, handle, oruse any form of information, intelligence, or data for business,scientific, control, entertainment, or other purposes. For example, aninformation handling system can be a personal computer, a PDA, aconsumer electronic device, a network server or storage device, a switchrouter, wireless router, or other network communication device, or anyother suitable device and can vary in size, shape, performance,functionality, and price. The information handling system can includememory (volatile (e.g. random-access memory, etc.), nonvolatile(read-only memory, flash memory etc.) or any combination thereof), oneor more processing resources, such as a central processing unit (CPU), agraphics processing unit (GPU), hardware or software control logic, orany combination thereof. Additional components of the informationhandling system can include one or more storage devices, one or morecommunications ports for communicating with external devices, as wellas, various input and output (I/O) devices, such as a keyboard, a mouse,a video/graphic display, or any combination thereof. The informationhandling system can also include one or more buses operable to transmitcommunications between the various hardware components. Portions of aninformation handling system may themselves be considered informationhandling systems.

Portions of an information handling system, when referred to as a“device,” a “module,” or the like, can be configured as hardware,software (which can include firmware), or any combination thereof. Forexample, a portion of an information handling system device may behardware such as, for example, an integrated circuit (such as anApplication Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), a Field ProgrammableGate Array (FPGA), a structured ASIC, or a device embedded on a largerchip), a card (such as a Peripheral Component Interface (PCI) card, aPCI-express card, a Personal Computer Memory Card InternationalAssociation (PCMCIA) card, or other such expansion card), or a system(such as a motherboard, a system-on-a-chip (SoC), or a stand-alonedevice). Similarly, the device could be software, including firmwareembedded at a device, such as a Pentium class or PowerPC™ brandprocessor, or other such device, or software capable of operating arelevant environment of the information handling system. The devicecould also be a combination of any of the foregoing examples of hardwareor software. Note that an information handling system can include anintegrated circuit or a board-level product having portions thereof thatcan also be any combination of hardware and software.

Devices or programs that are in communication with one another need notbe in continuous communication with each other unless expresslyspecified otherwise. In addition, devices or programs that are incommunication with one another may communicate directly or indirectlythrough one or more intermediaries.

An information handling system that includes a host processing systemand a remote processing system can also include graphics adapters thatpermit the information handling system to display information on one ormore display devices. In a particular embodiment, described herein, thehost processing system has an associated graphics adapter, and theremote processing system has an associated graphics adapter. Theinformation handling system has one or more display devices that can beshared among the graphics adapters.

FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of an information handling system 100according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Informationhandling system 100 includes a host processing system 110, a resourceallocation module 120, a remote processing system 130, shared resources140, one or more mid-stream frame buffers 170, a local display device180 and one or more additional secondary display devices 185. Hostprocessing system 110 and remote processing system 130 are eachconnected to resource allocation module 120, and to shared resources140. Resource allocation module 120 is also connected to sharedresources 140. Shared resources 140 is connected to mid-stream framebuffer 170, to local display device 180, and to secondary display device185. Local display device 180 and secondary display device 185 can eachinclude a display device frame buffer (not illustrated).

Host processing system 110 and remote processing system 130 areindependent processing systems. An independent processing system is asystem, such as a computer system, that is able to carry out tasksindependently of other processing systems in an information handlingsystem by independently controlling system resources including dedicatedand shared resources. The tasks executed by each processing system arespecified by software or firmware executing at the associated processingsystem. In a particular embodiment, host processing system 110 andremote processing system 130 each include an independent processordevice (not illustrated), such as a central processing unit (CPU), andan input/output processing device, such as a chipset, and are eachconfigured to operate independently of the other. Thus host processingsystem 110 and remote processing system 130 do not share tasks and eachexecutes program threads from a different application program oroperating system. In another embodiment, host processing system 110 andremote processing system 130 execute programs from a common applicationprogram or operating systems.

Host processing system 110 includes a power control module 112 and a setof dedicated resources 114. Similarly, remote processing system 130includes a power control module 132 and a set of dedicated resources134. Power control module 112 is configured to set the operational powermode for host processing system 110 and dedicated resources 114, andpower control module 132 is configured to set the operational power modefor remote processing system 130 and dedicated resources 134. Thus,power control module 112 can set the operational power mode for hostprocessing system 110 and dedicated resources 114, and power controlmodule 132 can set the operational power mode for host processing system130 and dedicated resources 134. An operational power mode refers to oneof a plurality of potential power states during operation of theassociated device. Thus, in different operational power modes, a devicewill typically consume different amounts of power, and have differentfunctionality. Thus, for example, a particular device (not illustrated)of dedicated resources 114 can be set to an active power mode or to oneor more low-power modes. In the active mode, the device executesdesignated operations at a relatively high speed and consumes arelatively large amount of power. In a first low-power mode, the deviceexecutes designated operations at a reduced rate of speed, and consumesa relatively small amount of power. In a second low-power mode, thedevice does not execute designated operations, but retains stateinformation from the active mode and the first low-power mode, so thatthe device is able to execute the designated operations with theretained state information when the device returns to either the activemode or the first low-power mode.

In a particular embodiment, power control modules 112 and 132 set thepower modes for the associated processing system 110 and 130, and fordedicated resources 114 and 134, independently. Thus, for example, powercontrol module 132 can set the power mode of remote processing system130 to a first power mode (such as an active mode) while setting thepower mode of dedicated resources 134 to a second power mode (such as alow-power mode). Further, power control module 132 can set a particulardevice (not illustrated) of dedicated resources 134 to one power mode(such as a first low-power mode) and a second particular device ofdedicated resources 134 to a second power mode (such as a secondlow-power mode). In another embodiment, host processing system 110 andthe remote processing system 130 can each include multiple voltage rails(not illustrated) that are derived from a common power source, such as abattery. The power mode for a particular device can be set by connectinga power node of the device to a designated voltage rail.

Dedicated resources 114 and 134 and shared resources 140 each includeone or more system resource. A system resource is a resource ofinformation handling system 100 that is employed by processing systems110 and 130 to perform a designated task. Examples of system resourcesinclude input/output devices, interface devices, memory devices,controller devices, and the like. Dedicated resources 114 and 134 eachinclude one or more system resources that cannot be directly controlledby a processing system 110 or 130 other than the processing system 110or 130 to which it is dedicated. For example, a particular device indedicated resources 114 cannot be directly controlled by remoteprocessing system 130, and another particular device in dedicatedresources 134 cannot be directly controlled by host processing system110. Shared resources 140 includes one or more system resource that canbe controlled by either processing system 110 or 130. In a particularembodiment, one or more system resource is embodied in differentsemiconductor substrates. In the illustrated embodiment, dedicatedresources 114 includes a graphics adapter 116, and dedicated resources134 includes a graphics adapter 136. Shared resources 140 includes amultiple independent graphics source (MIGS) manager 142.

Resource allocation module 120 includes a power control module 122.Power control module 122 stores a set of power profiles (notillustrated) and is configured to select one of the power profiles basedon received event information. Based on the selected power profile,power control module 122 sets the power mode for any of shared resources140, dedicated resources 114, and dedicated resources 134. To set thepower mode for the system resources, power control module 122communicates power control messages between host processing system 110and remote processing system 130. Each power control message representsa request to set a power mode for a particular system resource orprocessing system. In a particular embodiment, in response to a powercontrol message, power control module 122 directly sets a power mode forany of the dedicated resources 114, dedicated resources 134, and sharedresources 140. In another embodiment, in response to a power controlmessage, power control module 122 communicates messages to power controlmodules 112 and 132, as appropriate, to set each of dedicated resources114 and 134, respectively, to the requested power mode.

Resource allocation module 120 also includes an event detection module124. Event detection module 124 is configured to detect an event atinformation handling system 100. An event includes an internal orexternal stimulus to information handling system 100. A non-limitingexample of an event includes receiving a user input, or a communicationfrom a network, including network 150, opening or closing of applicationsoftware, or the like. In response to detecting an event, eventdetection module 124 accesses system state information indicating thestate of host processing system 110 and of remote processing system 130.The state of processing systems 110 and 130 refers to the operationalconfiguration at a particular point in time. In a particular embodiment,the state information of processing systems 110 and 130 includesinformation delineating the operating systems or applications beingexecuted at each processing system 110 and 130, the power mode ofprocessing systems 110 and 130 and of dedicated resources 114 and 134,the tasks being executed or scheduled for execution at processingsystems 110 and 130, and the like. In response to detecting an event,event detection module 124 communicates event information indicating theevent type and the system state information to the power control modules112 and 132. The event type can include the source of the event, thetiming of the event, or the like.

In operation, when event detection module 124 detects an event, powercontrol module 122 sets the power mode for one or more system resources.The operation can be illustrated with the following example. Sharedresources 140 can include a network interface device (not illustrated).Further, remote processing system 130 can interact with the networkinterface while host processing system 110 is in a low-power mode. Whenevent detection module 124 detects an incoming message, such as an emailmessage, at the network interface, event detection module 124 providesthe event information to power control module 122. The event informationcan include the source and timing of the event, and the system stateinformation. Based on the event information, power control module 122selects a power profile that includes the desired power modes fordedicated resources 114, dedicated resources 134, and shared resources140.

In a particular embodiment, power control module 122 can determine that,because host processing system 110 is in a low-power mode, hostprocessing system 110 should not be placed in an active mode based onthe incoming message, and dedicated resources 114 should remain in thelow-power mode. In another embodiment, power control module 122 candetermine that the incoming message should be displayed immediately vialocal display device 180. Accordingly, power control module 122 willcommunicate a message to power control module 112 to place the displayinterface in the active mode. Remote processing system 130 can thendisplay the incoming message on local display device 180.

In response to another event of a different type, power control module122 can select a different power profile to maintain the displayinterface in the low-power state, while placing other system resourcesin an active state. For example, if the event is indicative of alow-battery condition or other loss of power, power control module 122can place an audio interface (not illustrated) in shared resources 140in an active state, while maintaining the display interface in alow-power state. A warning sound can then be played via the audiointerface. Thus, power control module 122 can select a power profile,and therefore the power mode of each system resource, based on a type ofevent.

Further, power control module 122 can select a power profile based onthe state of each processing system, as indicated by the system stateinformation. For example, if an email message is received when thesystem state information indicates host processing system 110 is in alow-power state, power control module 122 can select a power profile sothat an indicator light is placed in an active mode, to give anindication of a received message, while the visual display interface isleft in low-power mode. However, if the system state informationindicates host processing system 110 is in an active mode and isexecuting an email application, power control module 122 can keep theindicator light in the low-power mode, because the indication of thereceived email message will be displayed by the email application.

Thus power control module 122 selects the appropriate power profilebased on the type of event indicated by event detection module 124, aswell as the state of processing systems 110 and 130. The power profilescan be set so that only those system resources needed to service adesignated event in a designated system state are placed in an activemode, thereby reducing overall power consumption of the informationhandling system 100.

Host processing system 110 and remote processing system 130 are eachcapable of displaying information on local display device 180 andsecondary display device 185. Thus, when host processing system 110needs to display information on, for example, local display device 180,event detection module 124 detects the event and resource allocationmodule 120 sends a control signal to shared resources 140, instructingMIGS manager 142 to connect graphics adapter 116 to local display device180. Once thus connected, the information is displayed on local displaydevice 180. Likewise, when remote processing system 130 needs to displayinformation on, for example, secondary display device 185, eventdetection module 124 detects the event and resource allocation module120 sends a control signal to shared resources 140, instructing MIGSmanager 142 to connect 136 to secondary display device 185, and theinformation is displayed on secondary display device 185.

Graphics adapters 116 and 136 each provide video input signals to MIGSmanager 142 and can each include a graphics adapter frame buffer (notillustrated). In a particular embodiment, the video input signalprovided by graphics adapter 116 is in a different format than the videoinput signal provided by graphics adapter 136. For example, graphicsadapter 116 can be a high performance graphics adapter capable ofproviding a video input signal in accordance with a variety of displayformats such as Widescreen Ultra eXtended Graphics Array (WUXGA) with aresolution of up to 1920×1200 pixels, Widescreen Quad eXtended GraphicsArray (WQXGA) with a resolution of up to 2560×1600 pixels, Quad SupereXtended Graphics Array (QSXGA) with a resolution of up to 2560×2048pixels, another display format, or a combination thereof. Graphicsadapter 116 can further provide the video input signal by a high speedserial interface such as a DisplayPort (DP) interface. Further, graphicsadapter 136 can be a lower performance graphics adapter providing avideo input signal in accordance with a variety of display formats suchas Widescreen eXtended Graphics Array (WXGA) with a resolution of up to1280×768 pixels, or another display format. Graphics adapter 136 canfurther provide the video input signal by an analog interface such as anRGB interface.

Local display device 180 and secondary display device 185 each receivevideo output signals from MIGS manager 142. In a particular embodiment,local display device 180 operates using a different video output signalformat than secondary display device 185. For example, local displaydevice 180 can be a liquid crystal display (LCD) device with aresolution of 1440×900 pixels, and be connected to a high speed serialinterface such as an embedded DisplayPort (eDP) interface. Further,secondary display device 185 can be a high resolution display devicesuch as a QSXGA monitor with a multi-sync capability and an analoginterface or a DP interface. In a particular non-limiting example,information handling system 100 may be a notebook computer or mobilecomputing device with an LCD display and one or more video connectorcapable of providing video output signals to an external monitor.

In operation, MIGS manager 142 receives video input signals fromgraphics adapters 116 and 136, and, under the control of resourceallocation module 120, sends video output signals to local displaydevice 180 and secondary display device 185. MIGS manager 142 providesvideo output signals to local display device 180, to secondary displaydevice 185, or to both. For example, MIGS manager 142 can receive avideo input signal from graphics adapter 116, and can send a videooutput signal with that includes substantially the same information toone or the other of local display device 180 and secondary displaydevice 185, to both of local display device 180 and secondary displaydevice 185, or can send a video output signal that includes a portion ofthe information to local display device 180 and another video outputsignal that includes a remainder of the information to secondary displaydevice 185. Similarly, MIGS manager 142 can send a video input signalfrom graphics adapter 136 to one, the other, or both of local displaydevice 180 and secondary display device 185. Further, MIGS manager 142can send a video input signal from graphics adapter 116 to one of localdisplay device 180 or secondary display device 185, and send a videoinput signal from graphics adapter 136 to the other of local secondarydisplay device 185 or display device 180.

As noted above, the video input signal provided by graphics adapter 116can be in a different format than the video input signal provided bygraphics adapter 136, and local display device 180 can operate using adifferent video output signal format than secondary display device 185.MIGS manager 142 operates to match the unlike source video input signalformats from graphics adapters 116 and 136 to common video output signalformats for local display device 180 and secondary display device 185,based upon the type of local display device 180 and secondary displaydevice 185.

The video input signal formats provided by graphics adapters 116 and 136to MIGS manager 142, and the video output signal formats provided byMIGS manager 142 to local display device 180 and secondary displaydevice 185 can be defined by their resolution and their frame rate. Ingeneral, the resolution of a video output signal of MIGS manager 142 canbe greater than, less than, or equal to the resolution of acorresponding video input signal of MIGS manager 142. In a particularembodiment, when the resolution of a video output signal is greater thanthe resolution of a video input signal, MIGS manager 142 centers theinformation contained in the video input signal in the field of thevideo output signal. For example, if the video input signal format has aresolution of 1280×768 pixels, and the video output signal format has aresolution of 1440×900 pixels, MIGS manager 120 can place theinformation from the video input signal in the middle of the videooutput signal, leaving blank an 80 pixel gap on the left and right sidesof the information, and a 66 pixel gap on the top and bottom of theinformation. In another embodiment, when the resolution of a videooutput signal is greater than the resolution of a video input signal,MIGS manager 142 scales the information contained in the video inputsignal to fit the resolution of the video output signal. For example, ifthe video input signal format has a resolution of 1280×768 pixels, andthe video output signal format has a resolution of 2560×1600 pixels,MIGS manager 120 can scale the video input signal by a factor to two toobtain a video input signal of 2560×1536 pixels, and leave blank a 32pixel gap on the top and bottom of the information. Similarly, when theresolution of a video output signal is less than the resolution of avideo input signal, MIGS manager 142 scales the information contained inthe video input signal to fit in the field of the video output signal.When the frame rate of the video output signal differs from the framerate of the video input signal, MIGS manger 142 converts the frame rateof the video input signal to match the frame rate of the video outputsignal format. In a particular embodiment, MIGS manager 140 determinesthe type of local display device 180 and of secondary display device185, and determines whether to center the information contained in thevideo input signal or to scale the information contained in the videoinput signal and by how much, and whether to convert the frame rate,based upon the type of local display device 180 and secondary displaydevice 185.

In a particular embodiment, the information displayed by informationhandling system 100 does not change. For example, when displayinge-mail, an information handling system typically changes the image on anLCD display when a new e-mail is being opened, or an e-mail is beingscrolled up or down. Thus, in terms of processing and power, there areperiods of time when graphics adapters 116 and 136 are not required tocreate a new frame. Thus, information handling system 100 includesmid-stream frame buffer 170 that is coupled to shared resources 140 tohold the display information so that graphics adapters 116 and 136 canbe placed into a low power mode. In a particular embodiment, MIGSmanager 142 receives the video input signals and places the informationinto mid-stream frame buffer 170. Then MIGS manager 142 converts theinformation from the frame buffer into the video output signals andsends the video output signals to local display device 180 and secondarydisplay device 185. Resource allocation module 120 then places graphicsadapters 116 and 136 into a low power mode. When the frame informationneeds to be changed, resource allocation module 120 places theappropriate graphics adapter 116 or 136 into a higher power mode toupdate information in mid-stream frame buffer 170. In anotherembodiment, MIGS manager 142 receives the video input signals, convertsthe information into the video output signals, places the video outputsignals into mid-stream frame buffer 170, and sends the video outputsignals to local display device 180 and secondary display device 185. Byincluding mid-stream frame buffer 170 mid-stream between graphicsadapters 116 and 137 on the processing side, and local display device180 and secondary display device 185 on the output side, and placinggraphics adapters 116 and 136 into a low power mode, informationhandling system 100 achieves reduced power consumption, and, whereinformation handling system 100 is a battery operated device, greaterbattery life.

FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of a video subsystem 200 in aninformation handling system that is similar to information handlingsystem 100 of FIG. 1. Video subsystem 200 includes host resources 212that, are similar to dedicated resources 112, a resource allocationmodule 220 that is similar to resource allocation module 120, remoteresources 232 that are similar to dedicated resources 132, a MIGSmanager 242 that is similar to MIGS manager 142, one or more mid-streamframe buffers 270 that are similar to mid-stream frame buffer 170, andlocal display device 280 and one or more secondary display devices 285that are similar to local display device 180 and secondary displaydevice 185. Local display device 280 and secondary display device 285can each include a display device frame buffer (not illustrated). Hostresources 212 is associated with a host processing system (notillustrated), and remote resources 232 is associated with a remoteprocessing system (not illustrated). As such, host resources 212 andremote resources 232 are each connected to resource allocation module220, and resource allocation module 220 is connected to MIGS manager242.

Host resources 212 includes a graphics adapter 216 similar to graphicsadapter 116, and remote resources 232 includes a graphics adapter 236similar to graphics adapter 136. Graphics adapters 216 and 236 eachprovide video input signals to MIGS manager 242 and can each include agraphics adapter frame buffer (not illustrated). In the illustratedembodiment, graphics adapter 216 provides the video input signal to MIGSmanager 242 via a DP interface, and graphics adapter 236 provides thevideo input signal to MIGS manager 242 via an RGB interface. In anotherembodiment (not illustrated), graphics adapter 216 provides more thanone video input signal to MIGS manager 242. In another embodiment (notillustrated), graphics adapter 236 provides more than one video inputsignal to MIGS manager 242. In yet another embodiment (not illustrated),video subsystem 200 does not include remote resources 232 or graphicsadapter 236.

MIGS manager 242 includes a receive/decode module 244, a capture module246, a control module 248, multiplexers 250 and 252, scalar and framerate converters 254 and 256, and output modules 258 and 260.Receive/decode module 244 includes an input that is connected to receivethe DP video input signal from graphics adapter 216, and an output. In aparticular embodiment (not illustrated), receive/decode module 244includes an input buffer that is capable of storing a frame of the videoinput signal from graphics adapter 216, or a portion of a frame of thevideo input signal. Capture module 246 includes an input that isconnected to receive the RGB video input signal from graphics adapter236, and an output. In a particular embodiment (not illustrated),capture module 246 includes an input buffer that is capable of storing aframe of the video input signal from graphics adapter 236, or a portionof a frame of the video input signal. Control module 248 includes aninterface that is connected to resource allocation module 220, anextended display identification data interface, labeled “EDID,” andconnections (not illustrated) to the other elements of MIGS manager 242to control the operation of MIGS manager 242. Multiplexer 250 includesan input that is connected to the output of receive/decode module 244,an input that is connected to the output of capture module 246, and anoutput. Multiplexer 252 includes an input that is connected to theoutput of receive/decode module 244, an input that is connected to theoutput of capture module 246, and an output. Scalar and frame rateconverter 254 includes an input that is connected to the output ofmultiplexer 250, a memory interface that is connected to mid-streamframe buffer 270, and an output. Scalar and frame rate converter 256includes an input that is connected to the output of multiplexer 252, amemory interface that is connected to mid-stream frame buffer 270, andan output. Output module 258 includes an input that is connected to theoutput of scalar and frame rate converter 254, and an output. Outputmodule 260 includes an input that is connected to the output of scalarand frame rate converter 256, and an output.

Local display device 280 is connected to the output of output module258. Local display device 280 includes an EDID register 282 that isconnected to control module 248. Secondary display device 285 isconnected to the output of output module 260. Secondary display device285 includes an EDID register 287 that is connected to control module248.

In operation, receive/decode module 244 determines the resolution andframe rate of the video signal received from graphics adapter 216,decodes the video signal, and outputs the decoded signal to multiplexers250 and 252. Capture module 246 captures the video signal from graphicsadapter 236, determines the resolution and frame rate of the videosignal, regenerates the analog signal to create a digital depiction ofthe information contained in the video signal, and outputs the decodedsignal to multiplexers 250 and 252. Control module 248 controls theswitching function of multiplexers 250 and 252 to select which of theoutputs of receive/decode module 244 or capture module 246 to connect toscalar and frame rate converters 254 and 256. For example, the outputfrom receive/decode module 244 can be excluded from communication toscalar and frame rate converters 254 and 256, or can be sent to one, theother, or both of scalar and frame rate converters 254 and 256.Similarly, the output from capture module 246 can be excluded fromcommunication to scalar and frame rate converters 254 and 256, or can besent to one, the other, or both of scalar and frame rate converters 254and 256. In yet another embodiment, graphics adapter 216 can be an onlygraphics source for video subsystem 200, such that remote resources 232and graphics adapter 236 may not be present or active in video subsystem200.

Control module 248 reads the EDID information from EDID registers 282and 287 to determine the resolution and frame rate associated with localdisplay device 280 and secondary display device 285, respectively. Basedupon the resolution and frame rate of local display device 280 andsecondary display device 285, control module 248 controls scalar andframe rate converters 254 and 256 to select the appropriate scalarfactor and frame rate conversion factor to apply to the signals receivedfrom multiplexers 250 and 252, respectively, to match the outputexpected by local display device 280 and secondary display device 285.Scalar and frame rate converters 254 and 256 apply the selected scalarfactor and frame rate conversion factors to the respective signals andsend the converted signals to output modules 258 and 260, respectively.In a particular embodiment, one, the other, or both of scalar and framerate converters 254 and 256 can apply a unity scalar factor, such thatoutput signal has the same resolution as the received signal. In anotherembodiment, one, the other, or both of scalar and frame rate converters254 and 256 can apply a unity frame rate conversion factor, such thatoutput signal has the same frame rate as the received signal. Outputmodule 258 provides the converted signal from scalar and frame rateconverter 254 to local display device 280. In a particular embodiment,local display device 280 is an eDP type LCD panel, and output module 258provides a DP output. In another embodiment, local display device 280 isan LCD panel adapted to receive a low voltage differential signaling(LVDS) type signal, and output module 258 provides an LVDS signal.Output module 260 provides the converted signal from scalar and framerate converter 256 to secondary display device 285. In a particularembodiment, secondary display device 285 is a DP type monitor, andoutput module 258 provides a DP output. In another embodiment, secondarydisplay device 285 is a monitor adapted to receive a low voltagedifferential signaling (LVDS) type signal, and output module 260provides an LVDS signal. In yet another embodiment, secondary displaydevice 285 is, a monitor adapted to receive an RGB type signal, andoutput module 260 provides an RGB signal.

In a particular embodiment, scalar and frame rate converters 254 and 256receive the video input signals and place the information intomid-stream frame buffer 270. In another embodiment, scalar and framerate converters 254 and 256 receive the video input signals, convert theinformation into the video output signals, and then place the videooutput signals into mid-stream frame buffer 270. In a particularembodiment (not illustrated), MIGS manager 242 includes one or moreadditional input modules similar to receive/decode module 244 or capturemodule 246. In yet another embodiment (not illustrated), MIGS manager242 includes one or more additional output modules similar to outputmodules 258 or 260.

FIG. 3 illustrates a method for managing multiple independent graphicssources in an information handling system in a flowchart form, inaccordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The methodstarts at block 302. The identification of a display device is read inblock 304. For example, control module 248 can read EDID register 282local display device 280. The display format of the display device isdetermined from the identification of the display device in block 306.Thus control module 248 can determine the display format of localdisplay device 280 from the information in EDID register 282. A videosignal is received in block 308. As such, capture module 246 can receivethe video output signal from graphics adapter 236. In the illustratedembodiment, the video signal is stored in a frame buffer in block 310.Thus control module 248 can direct the video output signal from graphicsadapter 236 through multiplexer 250 to scalar and frame rate converter254 to be stored in mid-stream frame buffer 270.

The format of the video signal is determined in block 312. For example,capture module 246 can include an input buffer, and the format of thevideo output signal can be determined by control module 248 based uponthe contents of the input buffer. The display format of the displaydevice is compared with the format of the video signal in block 314.Thus, the display format of local display device 280 can be comparedwith the format of the video output signal from graphics adapter 236 bycontrol module 248. A decision is made as to whether or not the displayformat of the display device is the same as the format of the videosignal in decision block 316. If so, the “YES” branch of decision block316 is taken, and the video signal is outputted to the display device inblock 318, and processing ends in block 326. As such, the format of thevideo output signal from graphics adapter 236 can be the same as thedisplay format of local display device 280, and so scalar and frame rateconverter 254 can be set with a unity scalar factor and a unity framerate conversion factor so that the video output signal from graphicsadapter 236 is passed through to local display device 280 without beingconverted to a different format.

If the display format of the display device is not the same as theformat of the video signal, the “NO” branch of decision block 316 istaken and the conversion factors to convert the video format of thevideo signal into the video format of the display device are determinedin block 320. For example, the format of the video output signal fromgraphics adapter 236 can be different than the display format of localdisplay device 280, and so control module 248 can determine a scalarfactor and a frame rate conversion factor to apply to the video outputsignal to match the display format of local display device 280. Thevideo signal is converted into the display format in block 322. As such,control module 248 can provide the scalar factor and a frame rateconversion factor to scalar and frame rate converter 254 to convert thevideo output signal from graphics adapter 236 into the display format oflocal display device 280. The converted signal is outputted to thedisplay device in block 324, and processing ends in block 326. As such,the converted video signal can be sent from scalar and frame rateconverter 254 to output module 258 and to local display device 280 inthe proper format.

FIG. 4 illustrates a functional block diagram of an information handlingsystem 400 similar to information handling system 100 and that includesa processor 402 coupled to a north bridge 404. Processor 402 can berealized as host processing system 110 as described in FIG. 1, or anyother module operable as needed or desired. A clock 406 outputs a timingsignal to processor 402 and other components or resources of informationhandling system 400 as needed or required. North bridge 404 is furthercoupled to a dual in-line memory module (DIMM) 408 and a DIMM 410. Northbridge 404 is also coupled to a video multiplexer (Video MUX) 412operable to multiplex and output video signals to be displayed using adisplay 414. Display 414 includes an inverter and automatic light sensor(ALS) module 416. North bridge 404 is further coupled to a video switch(VSW) module 418 and a video graphics array (VGA) port 420. A displayport (DP) 424 is coupled to a display port switch (DPSW) 422 operable tobe coupled to north bridge 404, and an E-Dock module 474. E-Dock module474 is used to expand resources of information handling system 400, andin various forms, to enable access to a battery or charge source, amedia slice, an I/O box, a printer interface, or various other resourcesthat can be accessed when docking information handling system 400 to adocking module.

Information handling system 400 also includes a south bridge 426 coupledto north bridge 404 using a data bus 499. A digital audio interface(DAI) module 428 receives a digital audio signal from an input source466. A remote processing module (RPM) 490 or other modules are coupledto DAI 428 to input a digital audio signal as input source 466. Forexample, DAI module 428 can also be coupled to E-Dock module 474. Anaudio bypass 430 is further coupled to a speaker and amplifier 432, anda microphone and headphone (MIC/HDP) 434. South bridge 426 is alsocoupled to a modem 436 such as an RJ-11 or plain old telephone system(POTS) enabled modem, and an audio output module 440 operable to coupleaudio output signals using south bridge 426.

South bridge 426 is coupled to an E-Module bay 442 which can include abay or cavity that is used to couple and decouple resources that accessan internal bus of information handling system 400. For example,E-Module bay 442 can be coupled to south bridge 426 using a multiplexersuch as 3-way Mux 494 operable to couple a resource coupled to E-Modulebay 442. Examples of resources include disk drives, optical drives,batteries, I/O expander modules, smart card readers, and variouscombinations thereof. Information handling system 400 further includes aserial advanced technology attachment hard disk drive (SATA HDD) 444,and a serial peripheral interface (SPI) flash memory 446. South bridge426 is also coupled to a serial I/O (SIO) integrated flash module 448.SIO integrated flash module 448 is coupled to a wireless fidelity (WIFI)locator module 450 which can refer to any type of 802.11x or any othershort-range wireless communication. SIO integrated flash module 448 isalso coupled to an SPI flash module 452, a host power button 454, and aresource access button interface 456 that can include one or moreresource access buttons. SIO integrated flash module 448 is also coupledto a keyboard 458 and touchpad and KSI/KSO module 460. An SIO expandermodule 462 is also coupled to SIO integrated flash module 448 and isfurther coupled to an I/O trusted platform module (TPM) 464. I/O TPM 464is further coupled to a biometric multiplexer (BIO MUX) 468, and abiometric input 470 operable to detect user biometrics (e.g.fingerprints, face recognition, iris detection, EKG/heart monitor,etc.). In other forms, information handling system 400 can also includea security engine (not illustrated) that is coupled to biometric input470 using RPM 490 to enable and disable access to portions or all ofinformation handling system 400.

E-Dock module 474 is also coupled to SIO integrated flash module 448 andSIO expander module 462 via interface 472. South bridge 426 is furthercoupled to an I/O module 478, and a peripheral computer interconnect(PCI) express module 480 using a PCI express bus. South bridge 426 isfurther coupled to a universal serial bus (USB) 3.0 access ports 482 viaa host USB bus. A ½ Mini Card module 484 and a Minicard wireless widearea network (WWAN) module 488 are also coupled to south bridge 426using a PCI express bus.

RPM 490 is coupled to a display 492. RPM 490 can be realized as remoteprocessing system 130 as described in FIG. 1, or any other moduleoperable as needed or desired. RPM 490 can further be configured tooutput a video signal to the video MUX 412 to output to the display 414.RPM 490 is also coupled to a three (3) way multiplexer 494. 3-waymultiplexer 494 multiplexes USB signals from Minicard WWAN 488, RPM 490,and other USB devices (not illustrated) coupled to south bridge 404.South bridge 426 is further coupled to a Bluetooth (BT) module 496 viathe USB bus. South bridge 426 is also coupled to a local area network(LAN) on Motherboard (LOM) 498 via a PCI express bus of informationhandling system 400. LOM 498 is also coupled to PCI express module 480.Information handling system 400 also includes a power and charge system401 operable to distribute power to the components of informationhandling system 400, and to charge rechargeable power sources ofinformation handling system 400.

In operation, RPM 490 is configured to detect a user initiated event, anon-user initiated event, network events, clock events, location events,timer events, power events, or any combination thereof. For example, auser initiated event can include a user activating a key, button, orother type of hardware, software, or user selectable interface, orcombinations thereof, that can generate a user activated event. Thus, auser can select a button to access a messaging application ofinformation handling system 400. As such, RPM 490 detects a request toaccess the messaging application and RPM 490 initiates access toresources of information handling system 400 during a reduced operatingstate of information handling system 400.

RPM 490 also detects non-user initiated events. For example, informationhandling system 400 can employ Minicard WWAN 488 to receivecommunication signals via a wireless communication. Minicard WWAN 488detects the non-user initiated event. For example, a software update canbe received and an update can be initiated without user intervention. Inanother form, an auto-power off feature can be used with a GPS featureof Minicard WWAN 488. Control module 448, RPM 490, or any combinationthereof, identifies a resource profile (not illustrated) of the detectedevent, and initiates activation of resources of information handlingsystem 400 to process the non-user initiated event. According to afurther aspect, non-user initiated events, user initiated events, or anycombination thereof can be detected. In response to an event, RPM 490,control module 448, or any combination thereof, then initiates placementof resources into designated power modes based on the event. Thus, thepower mode for each resource can vary in response to different kind ofevents. As such, information handling system 400 need not be initializedto process all events, and a limited amount of resources can beactivated.

Information handling system 400 further detects non-user initiatedevents communicated to electronic devices other than informationhandling system 400 during a reduced operating state of informationhandling system 400. For example, RPM 490 can be configured to detect amessage formatted to be received by a smart phone device, Blackberrydevice, or any type of electronic device configured to receive messages.Thus, information handling system 400 can employ Minicard WWAN 488 todetect wireless messages communicated via any network operable tocommunicate messages, such as a wireless messaging network, an SMSnetwork, Blackberry enabled network, or any other type of messagingenabled wireless or wireline network. In another form, the RPM 490 canbe wirelessly enabled to receive and transmit wireless communicationsignals. As such, Minicard WWAN 488 may not be enabled to receivewireless communications.

Information handling system 400 also operates in a low-power mode thatincludes sufficient resources to detect a wireless signal. As such, RPM490 can determine a current operating state of information handlingsystem 400, and initiate placing resources in an appropriate power modeto process and output a response to the received wireless signal. Assuch, an operating environment to output a response to a message, suchas a Blackberry message, can be enabled using a limited amount ofresources without having to initialize additional resources ofinformation handling system 400. For example, RPM 490 in combinationwith control 448 can be used to place display 414 in an appropriatepower mode to output a received message. Additionally, keyboard 458 orother input devices of information handling system 400 can be placed inan active mode to enable a user to view and respond to a message. Assuch, a limited resource operating environment can be generated toenable receipt and response to messages without having to initializeinformation handling system 400. In this manner, information handlingsystem 400 can be realized as a laptop or notebook system that is usedto receive messages intended for a Blackberry or other type of messagingdevice as desired.

In the embodiments described above, an information handling system caninclude any instrumentality or aggregate of instrumentalities operableto compute, classify, process, transmit, receive, retrieve, originate,switch, store, display, manifest, detect, record, reproduce, handle, oruse any form of information, intelligence, or data for business,scientific, control, entertainment, or other purposes. For example, aninformation handling system can be a personal computer, a PDA, aconsumer electronic device, a network server or storage device, a switchrouter, wireless router, or other network communication device, or anyother suitable device and can vary in size, shape, performance,functionality, and price. The information handling system can includememory (volatile (e.g. random-access memory, etc.), nonvolatile(read-only memory, flash memory etc.) or any combination thereof), oneor more processing resources, such as a central processing unit (CPU), agraphics processing unit (GPU), hardware or software control logic, orany combination thereof. Additional components of the informationhandling system can include one or more storage devices, one or morecommunications ports for communicating with external devices, as wellas, various input and output (I/O) devices, such as a keyboard, a mouse,a video/graphic display, or any combination thereof. The informationhandling system can also include one or more buses operable to transmitcommunications between the various hardware components. Portions of aninformation handling system may themselves be considered informationhandling systems.

When referred to as a “device,” a “module,” or the like, the embodimentsdescribed above can be configured as hardware, software (which caninclude firmware), or any combination thereof. For example, a portion ofan information handling system device may be hardware such as, forexample, an integrated circuit (such as an Application SpecificIntegrated Circuit (ASIC), a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), astructured ASIC, or a device embedded on a larger chip), a card (such asa Peripheral Component Interface (PCI) card, a PCI-express card, aPersonal Computer Memory Card International Association (PCMCIA) card,or other such expansion card), or a system (such as a motherboard, asystem-on-a-chip (SoC), or a stand-alone device). Similarly, the devicecould be software, including firmware embedded at a device, such as aPentium class or PowerPC™ brand processor, or other such device, orsoftware capable of operating a relevant environment of the informationhandling system. The device could also be a combination of any of theforegoing examples of hardware or software. Note that an informationhandling system can include an integrated circuit or a board-levelproduct having portions thereof that can also be any combination ofhardware and software.

Devices, modules, resources, or programs that are in communication withone another need not be in continuous communication with each other,unless expressly specified otherwise. In addition, devices, modules,resources, or programs that are in communication with one another cancommunicate directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries.

Although only a few exemplary embodiments have been described in detailabove, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that manymodifications are possible in the exemplary embodiments withoutmaterially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of theembodiments of the present disclosure. Accordingly, all suchmodifications are intended to be included within the scope of theembodiments of the present disclosure as defined in the followingclaims. In the claims, means-plus-function clauses are intended to coverthe structures described herein as performing the recited function andnot only structural equivalents, but also equivalent structures.

1. An information handling system comprising: a first video processorincluding a first video output operable to provide a first video signalin accordance with a first video format; a first display including afirst video input operable to receive a second video signal inaccordance with a second video format, wherein the second video formatis different from the first video format; a second display including asecond video input operable to receive a third video signal inaccordance with a third video format, wherein the third video format isdifferent from the first and second video formats; and a video selectorcoupled to: the first video output; the first video input; and thesecond video input; wherein the video selector is operable to: convertthe first video signal into the second video signal; convert the firstvideo signal into the third video signal; and couple the first videooutput to a selected one of the first video input or the second videoinput.
 2. The information handling system of claim 1 wherein further:the first video processor includes a second video output operable toprovide a fourth video signal in accordance with a fourth video format,wherein the fourth video format is different from the first, second, andthird video formats; and the video selector is coupled to the secondvideo output, and is operable to: convert the fourth video signal intothe second video signal; convert the fourth video signal into the thirdvideo signal; and couple the fourth video output to a selected one ofthe first video input or the second video input.
 3. The informationhandling system of claim 2 further comprising: a second video processorincluding a third video output operable to provide a fifth video signalin accordance with a fifth video format, wherein the fifth video formatis different from the first, second, third, and fourth video formats;and wherein the video selector is coupled to the second video processor,and is operable to: convert the fifth video signal into the second videosignal; convert the fifth video signal into the third video signal; andcouple the third video output to a selected one of the first video inputor the second video input.
 4. The information handling system of claim 3wherein the video selector is further operable to send the videoinformation from the first, second, or third video output to amid-stream frame buffer.
 5. The information handling system of claim 4in response to sending the video information to the frame buffer, theinformation handling system is operable to operate the video processorassociated with the selected video output in a low power mode.
 6. Theinformation handling system of claim 3 wherein the video selector isfurther operable to send the video information from the first or secondvideo input to a mid-stream frame buffer.
 7. The information handlingsystem of claim 6 in response to sending the video information, theinformation handling system is operable to operate the video processorassociated with the selected video output in a low power mode.
 8. Theinformation handling system of claim 1 further comprising an allocatoroperatively coupled to the first video processor, the second videoprocessor, and the video selector, wherein the allocator is operable tocontrol the selector to couple the first video output to the selectedone of the first or the second video inputs.
 9. The information handlingsystem of claim 8 wherein the allocator operates to control the videoselector in response to an event at the information handling system. 10.The information handling system of claim 1 wherein, in converting thefirst video signal into the second video signal, the video selector isfurther operable to convert a first frame rate associated with the firstvideo signal into a second frame rate associated with the second videosignal.
 11. The information handling system of claim 10 wherein, inconverting the first video signal into the second video signal, thevideo selector is further operable to apply a scalar factor to the firstvideo signal to convert a first resolution of the first video signalinto a second resolution of the second video signal.
 12. The informationhandling system of claim 11 wherein the video selector is furtheroperable to determine the second frame rate and the scalar factor inresponse to determining a device identifier associated with the firstdisplay.
 13. A method comprising: receiving a first video signal from afirst video processor associated with a first processing system, whereinthe first video processor is operable to provide the first video signalin accordance with a first video format; in response to receiving thefirst video signal, storing first video information based on the firstvideo signal in a mid-stream frame buffer; sending a second video signalto a first display, wherein the first display is operable to receive thesecond video signal in accordance with a second video format, andwherein the second video format is different from the first videoformat; sending a third video signal to a second display, wherein thesecond display is operable to receive the third video signal inaccordance with a third video format, and wherein the third video formatis different from the first and second video formats; in response to afirst event, converting the first video signal into the second videosignal; and in response to a second event, converting the first videosignal into the third video signal.
 14. The method of claim 13 furthercomprising: receiving a fourth video signal from a second videoprocessor associated with a second processing system, wherein the secondvideo processor is operable to provide the fourth video signal inaccordance with a fourth video format that is different from the first,second, and third video formats; in response to receiving the fourthvideo signal, storing fourth video information based on the fourth videosignal in the mid-stream frame buffer; in response to a third event,converting the fourth video signal into the second video signal; and inresponse to a fourth event, converting the fourth video signal into thethird video signal.
 15. The method of claim 14 further comprising: priorto converting the first video signal into the second or third videosignals, receiving the first video signal from the mid-stream framebuffer; and prior to converting the fourth video signal into the secondor third video signals, receiving the fourth video signal from themid-stream frame buffer.
 16. The method of claim 14 further comprisingstoring the second or third video signals in the mid-stream framebuffer.
 17. A device comprising: a memory; and a processor operable toexecute code to: receive a first video signal from a first videoprocessor associated with a first processing system, wherein the firstvideo processor is operable to provide the first video signal inaccordance with a first video format; in response to receiving the firstvideo signal, store first video information based on the first videosignal in a mid-stream frame buffer; send a second video signal to afirst display, wherein the first display is operable to receive thesecond video signal in accordance with a second video format, andwherein the second video format is different from the first videoformat; send a third video signal to a second display, wherein thesecond display is operable to receive the third video signal inaccordance with a third video format, and wherein the third video formatis different from the first and second video formats; in response to afirst event, convert the first video signal into the second videosignal; and in response to a second event, convert the first videosignal into the third video signal.
 18. The device of claim 17, theprocessor further operable to execute code to: receive a fourth videosignal from a second video processor associated with a second processingsystem, wherein the second video processor is operable to provide thefourth video signal in accordance with a fourth video format that isdifferent from the first, second, and third video formats; in responseto receiving the fourth video signal, store fourth video informationbased on the fourth video signal in the mid-stream frame buffer; inresponse to a third event, convert the fourth video signal into thesecond video signal; and in response to a fourth event, convert thefourth video signal into the third video signal.
 19. The device of claim18, the processor further operable to execute code to: prior toconverting the first video signal into the second or third videosignals, receive the first video signal from the mid-stream framebuffer; and prior to converting the fourth video signal into the secondor third video signals, receive the fourth video signal from themid-stream frame buffer.
 20. The device of claim 18, the processorfurther operable to execute code to store the second or third videosignals in the mid-stream frame buffer.